Cost of Living in O'Brien County, Iowa

$770/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$158,900

Median Home Value

5% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$770/mo

5% below state average

Median Home Value

$158,900

44% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

21.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How O'Brien County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

O'Brien County$770/mo

Iowa Average$812/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$770/mo

Median Gross Rent

$158,900

Median Home Value

$834/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

21.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in O'Brien County, Iowa

O'Brien County maintains national affordability norms

O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of income on housing, sitting solidly within the national affordability comfort zone below 15%. With median household income of $68,216 just slightly below the national average of $74,755, residents enjoy reasonable financial flexibility for housing costs.

Slightly above Iowa's state average

O'Brien County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% edges above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it just above the state median for affordability. Renters pay $770 monthly—$42 below the state median rent of $812—keeping housing costs competitive statewide.

Solid mid-tier option regionally

O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of income on $770 rent, placing it in the region's more affordable tier—better than Monona County (15.2%) and Muscatine County (16.7%), though slightly higher than top-performing Mills County (12.1%). It represents a reliable, middle-ground option for cost-conscious relocators.

Modest homeownership advantage

O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of their $68,216 income on $770 monthly rent, while homebuyers invest $834 monthly on properties worth $158,900. Homeownership costs roughly $64 more per month, making rental more affordable in the short term, though ownership builds equity over time.

Balanced county for relocation planning

O'Brien County delivers straightforward affordability: moderate rents, moderate incomes, and balanced housing options without extreme pressures. If you're relocating to Iowa and want to avoid either extreme affordability challenges or outlying costs, O'Brien provides a stable, predictable housing market.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in O'Brien County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

13.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,592

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.7%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in O'Brien County

Median home value is $158,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,269 vs. your max of $1,592.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in O'Brien County, Iowa?

O'Brien County, Iowa has a median monthly rent of $770/mo and a median home value of $158,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 21.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in O'Brien County?

The median gross rent in O'Brien County is $770/mo. This is 5% below state average for Iowa.

Is O'Brien County affordable?

O'Brien County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 21.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does O'Brien County's rent compare to the state average?

O'Brien County's median rent of $770/mo is 5% below state average of $812/mo for Iowa.

What is the median home value in O'Brien County?

The median home value in O'Brien County, Iowa is $158,900. This is 44% below the national median home value of $281,900.